Breast surgery

There are several types of breast plastic surgery procedures. However, there is one thing in common: in all cases, the aim is to achieve a natural breast shape.

• Breast augmentation: recommended when the size of the breast is not proportionate to the patient’s body shape. This may be due to a problem during puberty, but can also occur after significant weight loss or breastfeeding, or as a result of hormonal problems.
• Breast reduction: breast reduction may be performed when breast enlargement causes psychological or even physical problems in addition to aesthetic complaints (e.g. chronic neck, shoulder or back pain, redness under the breasts, limited mobility).
• Breast lift: can be a natural way to treat sagging breasts with age. Other reasons include significant weight loss, sagging breasts due to pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Breast reconstruction: some diseases require partial or total removal of the breast. This can be replaced by plastic surgery, implantation of implants or the use of various flaps.
• Male breast plastic surgery (gynecomastia): surgery may be required in men if the volume of the mammary gland increases.

The silicone gel pre-filled implants used in our centre have been used successfully for more than 60 years. The implants we propose meet both European and American standards. They are safe and have proven to be the best for surgical purposes, as they are very similar to the original shape and texture of the breast.

In addition to classic round implants, oval and anatomical “teardrop” shapes can give a more natural result. The implants have a silicone elastomer shell, which can be either roughened or smooth.

The variability of shapes and sizes allows for the selection of implants that can be tailored to the patient’s body shape and expectations.

Consultation

During your personal consultation, you will discuss the following with our plastic surgeon:

• Your parameters;
• your life situation (pregnancy, breastfeeding);
• your physical characteristics (height, weight, body type, body fat, breast size, muscle tone).

For men with breast enlargement:

• clarification of the underlying causes;
• exclusion of certain diseases by laboratory tests (testicular or pituitary tumours);
• measurement of hormone levels;
• determination of mammary gland density;
• mammography or ultrasound to rule out breast cancer

If the underlying cause is identified, targeted treatment is necessary. Clarification of the cause and appropriate treatment can lead to a more or less complete regression of gynecomastia.

After assessing your above parameters and anatomical features, our plastic surgeon will determine a surgical plan, which will take into account:

• Your preferred surgical technique;
• your expectations;
• the location of the wounds;
• for breast augmentation and reconstruction surgery, the size, type and position of the implants (above or below the muscle).

Conditions

Breast plastic surgery cannot be performed in the following conditions:

• active infection;
• cancer or pre-cancerous conditions in patients who have not yet received appropriate treatment;
• pregnant or breastfeeding women;
• autoimmune disease;
• diseases that impede wound healing and blood clotting;
• weakened immune system;
• reduced blood supply to breast tissue.

The surgery

Breast augmentation

1. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the surgical technique used and the extent of the correction. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia.
2. During the operation, our plastic surgeon will make a few centimetres of skin incision and then insert the appropriate shape and size of implant under the gland or muscle.
3. After the operation, you will be given a special bra to wear for a period of time determined by your doctor.
4. It is an anaesthetic surgery and therefore requires 1 night of observation, which you can spend in the comfort and tranquillity of our centre. You will be discharged to your home the following day.

Contrary to misconceptions, breast implants have no harmful effects on your health and breastfeeding is possible after the operation. The glandular tissue is usually not damaged during the operation.

Breast reduction (breast reduction) and breast lift

Because large breasts sag, breast reduction surgery is also breast lift surgery.

1. The operation usually takes 2-3 hours and is performed under general anaesthetic.
2. During the procedure, our plastic surgeon may use several techniques to assist you:
   1. Vertical,
   2. anchor (reverse T),
   3. or circular incisions around the areola to remove excess skin and fat around the areola to achieve the desired firmness.
3. After the surgery, you will be fitted with a special bra that you will wear for a period of time determined by your doctor.
4. You will be kept in our centre for 24 hours, where you can relax in a comfortable room in a relaxed and premium environment. You will be discharged to your home the next day.

In the case of a larger breast reduction, a thin plastic tube (drainage tube) is passed through the wound to drain the wound fluid.This reduces the risk of complications.

There are no contraindications to pregnancy or breastfeeding after the operation, but breastfeeding may be difficult after a breast reduction.

Breast reconstruction

1. The procedure is performed under deep anaesthesia and usually takes 1.5 to 4 hours.
2. The previously removed tissue can be replaced with your own tissue or with a safe silicone implant – or a combination of both – which is also used in our centre.
3. The implant is inserted through a few centimetre incision under the breast or through a semicircular incision around the nipple.
4. At this point, previous scars may be removed and any injuries corrected.
5. At the end of the operation, you will be given a special bra to wear for a period of time determined by the doctor.
6. You will be monitored for 1 night in the comfort and tranquillity of our centre. You will be discharged to your home the following day.

3-6 months after the breast reconstruction surgery, when the implant and tissues have reached their final state, the nipple and areola reconstruction can begin.

Male breast reconstruction surgery

1. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia and varies in duration depending on the technique used: simple liposuction takes a few minutes, while more complex cases involving more serious reduction in size can take several hours.
2. To remove the mammary gland, our plastic surgeon will make an incision along the lower edge of the areola.
3. Along this edge, he removes the mammary gland and excess fatty tissue. It is common for our specialist to then also perform liposuction around the mammary gland to restore symmetry.
4. A bandage and compression vest are applied at the end of the operation.
5. After a few hours of observation, you will be discharged home the same day of surgery.

For breast enlargement with excess fatty tissue, liposuction alone may be sufficient. In this case the scars are very short,

The healing time of surgical scars is different for each patient. It can take as little as 5-21 days to work. After a week, you can do mental work, sedentary office work, etc.

You will need to wear the special compression bra/bandage around the clock for at least 1.5 months.

To ensure a speedy recovery, please note the following:

• the wound should not be exposed to water until the stitches are completely removed;
• sunbathing, tanning beds, saunas are prohibited for 2 months;
• no heavy physical work, intensive sports for 6 weeks!

During this time it is perfectly natural to experience the following:

• a painful, tight feeling in the treated area;
• oedema (swelling);
• bruising, discomfort when lifting the arm.

Possible complications

At the consultation and during the preliminary tests, we aim to identify all possible risk factors. The chances of a complication are low, but in the event of a complication, the following may occur:

• the development of a blood and acid pocket;
• wound infection, wound breakdown, tissue necrosis: partial/terminal necrosis of the skin, areola and nipple;
• temporary or permanent change in nipple or breast sensitivity;
• asymmetry of the breasts;
• abnormal scarring;
• deep vein thrombosis;
• pulmonary embolism.

Breast augmentation

The final result takes a year to develop. The change will be visible after 2-3 months after the procedure, as this is the time needed for the breasts to soften and the implants to settle, the same for breast reconstruction.

Thanks to the emphasis on femininity, the development of aesthetic appearance (e.g. prettier clothes) is usually followed by positive psychological development.

How long will the implant last?

It is important to clarify that it is not possible to determine a specific shelf life for any type of implant (silicone gel/saline filled).

All patients with implants should expect to need to replace the implant at some point in order to maintain its original condition, usually every 10 years is recommended. This is why it is essential to return for check-ups at the intervals recommended by our plastic surgeon.

Breast reduction and lift

The result is permanent after 1 year from the date of surgery. Our patients report the elimination of psychological and physical pain:

• improved well-being, increased self-confidence;
• Their breasts are visibly firmer and more aesthetically pleasing;
• their previous neck, shoulder and back pains are gone;
• they can move more easily and freely again.Scars remain visible but usually fade over time (within 1-3 years).

Male breast plastic surgery

Although changes are often noticeable immediately, the final results are usually seen after 1 year after surgery.

Our male patients report an increased sense of comfort after surgery, especially in dressing and appearance.

As for the durability of the result, several outcomes are possible:

• in the purely glandular form, recurrence can usually be avoided by excision of the mammary glands;
• However, in the case of fat accumulation, significant weight gain can lead to an increased breast volume again.